No Semi Final for Burton Albion Youth who fall victim to the young Pitmen

With all registered centre backs unavailable for selection it was a hastily re-arranged back four that took to the field for this important County Cup quarter final against the full time academy players from Burton Albion FC.


Dean Rathbone, the young Pitmen's midfield general, took up the challenge of deputising for Captain, Ben Harbutt, who was withdrawn from the squad due to first team commitments. Deano was joined in the centre of the defence by regular full back Tom Howard. The visitors started strongly and looked to take advantage of the makeshift Hednesford defence as the players settled into less familiar positions.

In the 5th minute Burton crashed a shot against the Hednesford upright and there was a scramble to get the loose ball clear to safety. The home side gradually settled into their game and striker Jack Hepple was beginning to exert his influence on the game with some excellent movement up front, holding the ball up well for his fellow players. On 13 minutes Hednesford made the breakthrough when CHRIS WARD was on hand to stab the ball home after some fine approach play by Oliver Casey down the right side. The Pitmen were a little fortunate in the 35th minute when Burton Albion made a loud appeal for handball but they were denied a penalty kick by referee, Brian Rowley. Hednesford were soon back on the attack and a through ball caused panic in the Burton defence with the goalkeeper coming rushing out to claim the ball but failing to do so. The ball fell kindly for JORDAN NADAT who reacted quickly to pass the ball into the open goal from the edge of the penalty area.

The young Pitmen started best in the second half with Mark Bandurak coming close in the 48th minute with a fine header from a well flighted Oliver Casey corner kick. Two minutes later a fine right wing run by acting full back Jamey Osborne resulted in JACK HEPPLE scoring to crown an excellent personal performance.With the game now looking to be slipping away from them, Burton went for some tactical changes, pushing three up front and hitting long balls towards them. This tactic caused some difficulties for the less experienced Hednesford back four and over the next 20 minutes or so the visitors made a number of chances but goalkeeper Jordan Money was up to the challenge, making three fine saves.


Paul Casey began to use his substitutes bringing on Ashley Sawyers for Chris Ward who had picked up a knock and, in the 76th minute Under 16, Cavan Cresser came on for the tiring Drew Aiton, who had also put in a very fine performance.


In the 87th minute Burton made a quick break chasing another through ball and, on this occasion, Bromley Sibson, broke through the heart of the Hednesford defence to steer the ball past Jordan Money. The consolation goal for Burton did not dampen the spirits of the young Pitmen and they safely saw out the last couple of minutes, to book their place in the Semi-final, which will be away to Tipton Town FC at a date to be arranged.

Team: J Money, J Osborne, B Farrall, D Rathbone (capt), T Howard, M Bandurak,
O Casey, C Ward, J Hepple, D Aiton, J Nadat.
Subs. A Sawyers, L Butler, C Cresser.

Terry Mc